Choosing the right proprietary trading firm (prop firm) is a key decision for your trading journey. The right fit can help you grow as a trader and achieve your financial goals, while the wrong choice can lead to unnecessary challenges. Here's a breakdown of what to look for when selecting a prop firm.
How Do I Choose a Good Prop Firm?
1. Cost
Cost is often the biggest consideration when choosing a prop firm. You’ll want to review all fees associated with purchasing an account, including evaluation fees, resets, and any hidden charges. Some firms offer competitive pricing but may have additional costs to be aware of.
💡 Pro Tip: Check out OnlyPropFirms' True Cost to Funding guide for an in-depth look at the total cost you’ll incur on your way to securing funding.
2. Accounts
Evaluate the trading capital offered and the number of accounts you can manage. Some firms allow you to trade with substantial capital, but these larger accounts may come with stricter profit-sharing terms or higher fees.
Also, check if the firm supports copy trading—being able to copy trades across multiple accounts can maximize your leverage and returns.
3. Payouts
Look into the firm's payout policies, including their profit split, how frequently you can request payouts, and the payout speed. The goal is to ensure that the payout terms align with your trading style and financial needs.
Some firms may offer faster payouts but lower profit splits, so it’s important to find the balance that works for you.
4. Rules
Every prop firm has its own set of rules. Make sure you’re comfortable with them!
Key things to check:
Drawdown policy: What type of drawdown do they use—daily, trailing, or static?
News trading: Can you hold positions during major news releases?
Scalping: If you’re a short-term trader, confirm whether scalping is allowed.
Rules should align with your trading strategy and give you the flexibility you need.
5. Support
Good support can make or break your experience with a prop firm. Look for firms that offer robust customer service and educational resources, especially if you're new to prop trading.
Access to helpful mentorship, responsive technical support, and educational content can improve your overall experience and help you level up your trading skills.
6. Regulation and Reputation
Regulation plays a huge role in the safety and credibility of a prop firm. Choose firms that are either regulated by reputable financial authorities or have a strong reputation backed by positive customer reviews.
đź’ˇ Pro Tip: All firms listed on OnlyPropFirms have been thoroughly vetted by our internal team, giving you peace of mind as you make your choice.
7. Trading Platforms and Tools
A good trading experience relies on a stable, user-friendly platform. Evaluate the firm’s trading software to ensure it’s reliable, fast, and compatible with your trading strategy. Also, check for additional tools like charting software, indicators, and risk management features.
8. Trading Strategies and Markets
Make sure the firm supports the markets and strategies you specialize in. Whether you trade forex, futures, or stocks—or prefer swing trading over scalping—some firms cater to specific niches. Choosing a firm that aligns with your strengths can give you an edge.
9. Community and Networking
A strong trading community can make a huge difference. Firms that foster a sense of community often provide forums, webinars, and networking opportunities where you can collaborate with other traders, share insights, and find support when trading gets tough.
Surrounding yourself with like-minded traders can make your experience more rewarding and less isolating.
Selecting the right prop firm comes down to understanding your trading needs and doing your research. From cost and payouts to platforms and community, each aspect plays a role in helping you find the best fit.
The Best Prop Firms for 2025
With so many proprietary trading firms to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. To help you narrow down your options, we’ve curated a list of some of the best prop firms for 2025 based on their offerings, reputation, and trader feedback. Here's what makes these firms stand out:
1. Apex Trader Funding - Overview
Why Traders Love It:
Low-cost entry with the ability to trade up to 20 accounts simultaneously.
Provides substantial access to capital and opportunities for frequent profits.
Key Features:
Strengths: Competitive pricing and significant payout track record.
Drawbacks: Rules and support may not be as strong as competitors.
Why It Stands Out: Apex consistently delivers some of the highest payouts in the industry, making it a top choice for ambitious traders.
2. Take Profit Trader - Overview
Why Traders Love It:
Industry-leading support with fast response times.
Exceptional payout policy allowing withdrawals from funded accounts on day one.
Key Features:
Strengths: Fast liquidity and highly flexible payout options.
Drawbacks: Slightly higher entry costs compared to some other firms.
Why It Stands Out: Their unparalleled payout flexibility justifies their pricing, making them a strong contender for traders who value reliability and efficiency.
3. MyFundedFutures - Overview
Why Traders Love It:
Affordable pricing with straightforward rules designed to simplify the funding process.
Excellent support and transparency throughout the evaluation and trading stages.
Key Features:
Strengths: User-friendly program designed to help traders achieve funding faster.
Drawbacks: May lack some of the advanced trading tools offered by other firms.
Why It Stands Out: MyFundedFutures is a well-rounded option for futures traders seeking affordability and a clear path to funding.
4. Earn2Trade - Overview
Why Traders Love It:
Proven track record of success, with over 700 traders funded last year.
Comprehensive online learning resources for education and skill-building.
Key Features:
Strengths: Rapid customer support and extensive educational content.
Drawbacks: Requires passing a structured evaluation program.
Why It Stands Out: Earn2Trade’s commitment to trader education and success makes it a top choice for those looking to build long-term trading careers.
5. TradeDay - Overview
Why Traders Love It:
Prioritizes trader support over influencer marketing.
Attractive rules, including low profit targets, making evaluations easier to pass.
Key Features:
Strengths: No restrictions on accessing payouts.
Drawbacks: Slightly higher pricing than some competitors.
Why It Stands Out: TradeDay’s focus on customer service and its trader-first policies create a supportive environment for long-term success.
6. BluSky - Overview
Why Traders Love It:
Low barrier to entry with competitive pricing and frequent sales.
No activation fee when entering a funded account.
Key Features:
Strengths: Simple evaluation process with low profit targets and reasonable drawdown policies.
Drawbacks: Fewer simultaneous account options compared to Apex.
Why It Stands Out: BluSky offers a low True Cost to Funding, making it an excellent option for traders seeking affordability and ease of use.
UProfit - Overview
Why Traders Love It:
Focused on simplicity and removing unnecessary trading pressure.
Offers Pro Drawdown EOD (end-of-day drawdown) to provide more flexibility.
Key Features:
Strengths: Variety of account sizes and tailored rules to match trader preferences.
Drawbacks: Less aggressive marketing presence, so it may fly under the radar.
Why It Stands Out: UProfit’s supportive approach and customizable account options make it ideal for traders who want an easy-to-follow path to success.
Summary
The best prop firm for you will depend on your trading style, goals, and preferred markets. Whether you're a forex day trader looking for high leverage or a futures trader seeking a more structured environment, there's a firm that fits your needs.
Take your time to explore account types, rules, and community features—and remember that the right prop firm can be the catalyst for leveling up your trading game. Let OnlyPropFirms be your trusted resource for finding the ideal match in 2025!
Let me know if you'd like more firms added or any changes to the summaries.
